Raisback Memorial Games

The 12th anniversary Scottish Games were some of the best in festival history. The games are an annual memorial to Tom Raisback of Lexington, Virginia, who was a driving force in starting the Radford Highlanders Festival as the athletic director for the first seven festivals.

“Tom’s enthusiasm and eagerness to introduce others to the fun and diversity of the Scottish heritage remain a guiding principle for the Radford Highlanders Festival,” said festival director Don Bowman. “It is a pleasure to help continue his passion and a challenge to match his enthusiasm and good cheer.”

David Strunk, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, and a longtime friend of Raisback, is the current athletic director. Strunk is a veteran Scottish athlete, judge and athlete who participated alongside Raisback in Scottish games for over 30 years.

“The Scottish games are just really unique,” said Strunk. “There is a camaraderie between athletes like nothing else. Each athlete competes hard, yet they cooperate to help one another improve.”

Strunk currently directs games in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Georgia. Joining the Strunks on the field to run the Raisback Memorial Games at the Radford Highlanders Festival is Kirk Raisback, Tom’s son, who has helped with each of the previous Radford games.

Dan Hayes of Christchurch School in Christchurch, Virginia, will again handle the announcing on the games field for his fourth year.

“While the power and the grace of the athletes are certainly the center of attention throughout the day,” said Bowman, “Dave, Kirk and Dan really make the games go and the festival fun for all.”

The heavyweight athletic games at the Radford Highlanders Festival have a reputation of being among the best on the East Coast. Competitors make RU a regular stop as they travel the game circuit each year. You'll want to come early and get a good seat on the risers. Plan to stay all day and see these competitors at their best!

To learn more about the heavyweight games or to compete, contact Don Bowman at (540) 831-5182 or e-mail.

Raisback Memorial Games – 2007 Results

Men’s Division

• Stone "Clachneart": Josh Aydlette, 41' 0.5"
• 28# Throw: Josh Aydlette, 68'2"
• 56# Throw: Mike Derrick, 33’ 1”
• 22# Hammer: Josh Aydlette, 79’ 7.5"
• Caber Toss: Josh Aydlette, 12:15
• 16” Sheaf Toss: Mike Derrick, 26'
• 56# Toss: Mike Derrick, John Crocker, Mike Derrick, 12’
• All-Around Winner: Josh Aydlette
• Runner-up: Mike Derrick

Women’s Division

• Stone "Clachneart": Jessica Dowdy, 41’3.5”
• 28# Throw: Jessica Dowdy, 63.11'
• 56# Throw: Jessica Dowdy, 36” 4”
• 16# Hammer: Jessica Dowdy, 73’ 10.5"
• Caber Toss: Jessica Dowdy, 12:00 x 1
• 16” Sheaf Toss: Jessica Dowdy, 30’ 6”
• 56# Toss: Jessica Dowdy, 15.6”’
• All-Around Winner: Jessica Dowdy
  

Raisback Memorial Games Records
    Men's Division

• Stone: John Richard, 44’ 1’ in 1999
• 56# Throw: Eric Frasure, 35’ 2.5” in 2001
• 28# Throw: Josh Aydlette, 68'4" in 2005
• 22# Hammer: Paul Duncan, 93’ 3.5” in 2000
• 16# Hammer: Doug Steiger, 102’ 2.5” in 1998
• Caber Toss: Josh Aydlette, 12:00x3 in 2006
• 16” Sheaf Toss: Mark West, 30’ in 2003
• 20# Sheaf Toss: Mike Rhodes, 26’ in 1998
• 56# Toss: Wade King, 14’ in 2001, tied in 2005 by Will Forbes
  

     Women's Division

• Stone "Clachneart": Jessica Dowdy, 41’5”
• 28# Throw: Jessica Dowdy, 64' 4.5
• 56# Throw: Jessica Aydlette, 36’ 4” in 2007
• 16# Hammer: Jessica Dowdy, 78’ 4"
• Caber Toss: Jessica Dowdy, 12:00 x 2
• 16” Sheaf Toss: Jessica Aydlette, 30’ 6” in 2007
• 56# Toss: Jessica Aydlette, 15’ 6” in 2007